That's according to Agriculture Victoria and Dairy Australia's Dairy Farm Monitor Project 2018-19 annual report, which said "farm performance in 2018-19 was ‘all about water’ where temporary water allocations prices averaged $416/Ml".
“The profit performance reflects the dry seasonal conditions and high input costs, with many farmers left with a negative net farm income at the end of 2018-19," the report said.
“Three of the last four years in northern Victoria, (farmers) have recorded below average profits.”
The average net farm income in the northern region reduced from $73,000 in 2017-18 to negative $85,000 in 2018-19.
Earnings before interest and tax reduced from $185,000 to $24,000 across the same period.
The report revealed these were the lowest figures recorded in the project's 13-year history.
Agriculture Victoria’s farm business economist Claire Waterman said there was a significant variation in profitability across the three dairy regions of Victoria. “The dry conditions have led to a 20 per cent increase in variable costs as a result of higher irrigation water, concentrates and fodder prices,” Ms Waterman said.
“Farmers also spent more on making homegrown feed, including fertiliser, hay and silage making costs.”
In better news, the milk price improved six per cent to $6.13/kg of milk solids compared to the previous year, partially offsetting the increased costs.